SC Seeks EC’s Reply on Plea Challenging Separate RS Bypolls in Guj

Gujarat Congress challenged the EC’s decision to hold separate bypolls to two Rajya Sabha seats in the state.

File photo of Supreme Court of India in New Delhi. 

(Photo: Reuters)

The Supreme Court on Wednesday, 18 June, sought a response from the Election Commission by 24 June on a plea of the Gujarat Congress, challenging the poll panel's decision to hold separate bypolls to two Rajya Sabha seats in the state.

A vacation bench of justices Deepak Gupta and Surya Kant listed the matter for hearing on 25 June, saying the issue required to be heard.

The bench said, "It is not an issue which can be taken up through an election petition and therefore, requires to be heard."

Senior advocate Vivek Tankha, appearing for the Gujarat Congress, said there were judgments of the Delhi High court which were in their favour.

To this, the bench said, "We are not saying anything for now. We need to decide whether it is a casual vacancy or a statutory vacancy. This matter requires hearing."

The Rajya Sabha seats fell vacant following the election of BJP chief Amit Shah and Union minister Smriti Irani to the Lok Sabha from Gandhinagar and Amethi respectively.